Ford's decision to launch the latest version of its affable Fiesta Van during the middle of a recession certainly had me scratching my head for two reasons. Firstly, Ford UK sold close-on 100,000 commercial vehicles when the market peaked in May, including 60,000 Transits and only 3,000 Fiestas were sold - not a massive market you will agree. In the grand scheme of things, Fiesta van commands 25% of the car-derived van sector so there is still a lot riding on it.

Secondly, the light van sector is on a steep and slippery slope falling 45% for March according the SMMT's figures. Things, as they stand, aren't looking good.

However, despite the odds stacked firmly against the Fiesta, it is does have a lot going for it, not least in the way it looks. The design is thoroughly modern and attractive both inside and out (especially in range-topping SportVan trim) and we struggled to think of another car-derived van on sale that betters it.

The way it drives, too is also a major plus point. The suspension soaks up the bumps and the chassis helps the Fiesta to cope with the tight and twisties in a manner that belies its commercial pretentions.

So it looks and drives nicely but what about satisfying its fundamental commercial vehicle function? Well, the Fiesta has a decent payload of 513kg, but is by no means the best in class. It's beaten by the Vauxhall Corsavan at 550kg and surpassed by the Peugeot 207 van in terms of volume, but we think half a ton and 1.0m3 is more than adequate for a mobile toolbox like the Fiesta.

The downside to the Fiesta Van is price and most hacks agreed that £12,037 for the 1.6 TDCi SportVan was a little bit steep and if you look at the entire range it's only the base 1.25 petrol that comes in under £10,000. If you crave the sporty option then a low-mileage one-year old Sport Van for £6,000 works just as well.

A long list of extras and standard spec are welcome but again cost will be the single-biggest deciding factor for fleet owners especially in these testing times.